Brian's Song

Critics Consensus

Buoyed by standout performances from James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, Brian's Song is a touching tale of friendship whose central relationship transcends its standard sports movie moments.

85%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 13

82%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 9,094

Brian's Song Photos

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Movie Info

This football film draws on the memoirs of Chicago Bears' Gale Sayers to depict his friendship with fellow player Brian Piccolo, who lost his life to cancer after a valiant struggle.

Rating:

G
Genre:

Classics, Drama, Television
Directed By:

Buzz Kulik
Written By:

William Blinn
In Theaters:

May 1, 1970 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Aug 8, 2000
Runtime:

73 minutes
Studio:

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Watch it now

Cast

Billy Dee Williams
as Gale Sayers

James Caan
as Brian Piccolo

Jack Warden
as Halas

Shelley Fabares
as Joy

Judy Pace
as Linda

David Huddleston
as McCaskey

Bernie Casey
as J.C.

Ron Feinberg
as Atkins

Ji-Tu Cumbuka
as Roommate

Jim Boeke
as Veteran Player

Doreen Lang
as Nurse 1

Allen Secher
as Hotel Man

Stu Nahan
as Speaker

Mario Machado
as 1st Reporter

Jack Daniel Wells
as Toastmaster

Dick Butkus
as Himself

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News & Interviews for Brian's Song

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Critic Reviews for Brian's Song

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (2) | DVD (2)

On its own, somewhat obvious level, Brian's Song worked. Not least in its favor were two exceptionally fine performances: James Caan as Brian Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams as Gale Sayers.

Aug 31, 2016 | Full Review…

John J. O'Connor
New York Times
Top Critic
Made-for-TV eyewash for disheartened Bears fans to drown their sorrows in.

Jan 25, 2008 | Full Review…

Pat Graham
Chicago Reader
Top Critic
The story of courage and humanity is a gripping one, but Gray's movie attempts to extend some of the original's minor areas, and in doing so loses emotional power.

Aug 14, 2019 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

Jeremy Aspinall
Radio Times
Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.

Dec 22, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
The film's emotions are obvious and blunt, but they get the job done.

Jan 25, 2008

Douglas Pratt
DVDLaser
It remains the best example of the most different of men competing fairly and getting along peacefully ever filmed.

Dec 6, 2005 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Brad Laidman
Film Threat

View All Critic Reviews (13)

Audience Reviews for Brian's Song

Jun 05, 2015

Good film. Great character portrayals by James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. The chemistry and camaraderie between the two is what makes this film so great. Brian's Song is worth seeing, even if you're not a fan of football.

Stephen S Super Reviewer
Oct 28, 2010

Very short...It had its good moments, but I thought it was overly cheesy for the most part and a little dramatic at random points throughout the movie. It was probably good for its time though.

Erin C Super Reviewer
Aug 28, 2009

Oh, How Melo-Drama was enjoyable in the 70's! Now a days, You can't even last a minute with a movie like that. In Brian's song Case, I lasted the whole film, enjoying moderate parts of it. Also, no matter How much, i love football, i do not shed tears, only Old Yeller, can get that close.

Joseph E Super Reviewer
Jan 15, 2009

If you thought this was a bit sappy in 1970 you should watch it again. The thing practically oozes with overt sentimentality. Still, it's an indelible childhood memory for men of my generation and an almost iconic piece of '70s Americana. ...and yes, it still makes me cry (dammit).

Randy T Super Reviewer

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Brian's Song Quotes

Brian Piccolo:

So, Concannon calls this trap play, and it's just beautiful... 43 yards, wasn't it 43? Ah. So, Halas sees he's tired, and sends me in, so I go in, he comes out. Concannon then figures he's gonna get REALLY foxy... you know, Concannon is... So, he says, "Um, same play. VERY SAME PLAY." Now, a trap play is also called, a SUCKER play, because it makes the defense look REAL bad when it works. Now, defenses DO NOT like to look real bad, see... it makes 'em kinda surly... So, anyway, all the linemen go this way, and it's like I am lookin' at a team portrait of the Los Angeles Rams! "Hey, Deacon! Merlin! How's the family, Rosey?"

Brian Piccolo:

So, Concannon calls this trap play, and it's just beautiful... 43 yards, wasn't it 43? Ah. So, Halas sees he's tired, and sends me in, so I go in, he comes out. Concannon then figures he's gonna get REALLY foxy... you know, Concannon is... So, he says, 'Um, same play. VERY SAME PLAY.' Now, a trap play is also called, a SUCKER play, because it makes the defense look REAL bad when it works. Now, defenses DO NOT like to look real bad, see... it makes 'em kinda surly... So, anyway, all the linemen go this way, and it's like I am lookin' at a team portrait of the Los Angeles Rams! 'Hey, Deacon! Merlin! How's the family, Rosey?'

Brian Piccolo:

Well, on uh, Fake Draw Screen Right I uh, pick up the linebacker if he's comin, 'less of course it's Butkus, then I simply notify the quarterback to send for a preacher.

Brian Piccolo:	I said thank you.
Gale Sayers:	I know.
Brian Piccolo:	Well, usually when someone says thank you you're supposed to say you're welcome or How's Your mother?
Gale Sayers:	How's your mother?
Brian Piccolo:	She's doin' fine, thanks for asking.

Speaker:	Ernest Hemingway once said "Every true story ends in death." Well, this is a true story.
Speaker:	Ernest Hemingway once said 'Every true story ends in death.' Well, this is a true story.

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